Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has marked a milestone in communication to the successfully make your first video call using its “Direct to Cell” service. This innovative service allows any compatible mobile phone to connect directly to Starlink satellites without the need for additional hardware.
Unmodified phones
The test was carried out by two SpaceX engineers using a Google Pixel and an iPhone, both without modifications. In the demo, the Pixel was connected to a terrestrial cellular antenna, while the iPhone communicated directly with a Starlink satellite. During the video call, although the video quality of the device connected to the satellite was somewhat pixelated, the connection remained stable and without interruptions.
This advance is significant since facilitates communication in remote areas without traditional cellular coverage. To achieve this capability, SpaceX has launched Starlink satellites specially equipped for direct cellular connections. These satellites, although they do not offer the same speed as the residential service, They achieve a considerable speed of 17 Mbps.
At the moment, Starlink has established agreements with operators such as T-Mobile in the United States to carry out tests prior to the full deployment of the service. These tests use band 25 of the LTE spectrum, allowing virtually any modern smartphone to connect to Starlink satellites, even indoors.
Direct to Cell Implementation
The implementation of the “Direct to Cell” service will be gradual. By the end of 2024, users will be able to send SMS, MMS and make emergency calls in areas without coverage. In 2025, the service is expected to expand to include mobile data. SpaceX has indicated that instead of offering this service directly to consumers, they are collaborating with global operators to integrate it as a complement to existing services.
This advancement reinforces Starlink’s position as a leader in global connectivity. With more than 6,000 satellites in orbit and a customer base that has surpassed three million in 99 countries, SpaceX continues to demonstrate its ability to innovate and expand high-speed internet access globally.
The successful video call made through Starlink’s “Direct to Cell” service highlights the potential of satellites to transform mobile communication, removing barriers to terrestrial coverage and providing connectivity anywhere in the world. This achievement is one more step towards a future where global connectivity is more accessible and reliable, regardless of geographic location.
Keep reading:
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